At least 17 dead in ‘horrific’ Florida school shooting

A gunman opened fire at a South Florida high school today, killing 17 people and sending students running for their lives, according to law enforcement officers on the scene.

17 victims were transported to Broward Health Coral Springs, Broward Health North, Broward Health Medical Center and Boca West Medical Center. Two of the 17 victims who were transported died at the hospital; 15 victims died at the scene. Victims include students and adults, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said.

The suspect, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, was taken into custody off campus. He slipped out of the school after the shooting by blending in with other students who were trying to escape, according to two law enforcement sources and an eyewitness.

Cruz had “countless magazines” and was believed to have an AR-15 rifle, the sheriff said.